What's next for ocrelizumab and relapsing MS?

The NHS will now have a legal obligation to provide the treatment to anyone with relapsing MS whose health care professional prescribes it to them.

Who can take ocrelizumab?

It will only be available to people who are unable or unwilling to take alemtuzumab.

Trials show ocrelizumab reduces relapses and the build-up of disability and carries less serious side effects than other highly effective treatments.

How do you take ocrelizumab?

It's taken as two intravenous infusions, given 14 days apart. It's then taken as a single infusion every six months.

More options mean better health outcomes

Our Chief Executive Michelle says:

“This is great news for people with relapsing MS. Access to a range of treatments is essential as MS affects everyone differently. More options mean better health outcomes, especially for anyone who can't take other existing MS drugs.

“We’re looking forward to this medicine being widely available on the NHS in England and Wales.”

This article was updated on Monday 10 September 2018 to reflect NICE's decision on ocrelizumab and primary progressive MS.

What we're doing about progressive MS

Ocrelizumab

Ocrelizumab was developed for primary progressive and relapsing MS. NICE have made it available on the NHS for relapsing MS but rejected it for primary progressive MS. We're campaigning to change that.